TICKETS & PRICES

Adults: £10.00
Children : £3.00
Families (2 adults, up to 3 Children): £28.00

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Visiting Auckland Castle

A former seat of the Prince Bishops of Durham, Auckland Castle was initially built as a manor house 1,000 years ago in a deer park. Also referred to as Auckland Palace or the Bishop’s House, it has been undergoing extensive restorations under the Auckland Project. Today, it’s now a tourist attraction under the ownership of Auckland Castle Trust. 

Parking

There’s a parking area near the Castle grounds. The North Bondgate car park is about a five-minute walk from Bishop Auckland Marketplace. It’s also open 24 hours. 

The car park’s charges are as follows: 

Time

Charges

Up to 2 hours

60p

More than 2 hours

50p per hour


Note: North Bondgate car park’s charges apply from Monday to Saturday, including bank holidays.

 

Price

Ticket Type

Ticket Tariff (per ticket type)

Adult

£10.00

Adult – Auckland Pass

£12.50

Child under 16 years

£3.00

Child under 16 years – Auckland Pass

£3.00

Concession (full-time students and seniors 60+)

£8.00

Concession – Auckland Pass

£10.50

Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) – Auckland Pass

£28.00


Note: Ticket prices also include entry to the Bishop Trevor Gallery (opened June 2019). The Auckland pass caters for admission to Auckland Castle, the Mining Art Gallery, and Auckland Tower.

 

Opening

Auckland Castle, including the Mining Art Gallery and Auckland Tower, is closed for winter and will be open from 23rd March to 31st December 2022. However, the Spanish Gallery is still operational from 15th October to 18th December 2021. Opening time is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday, with late entry at 2 p.m. 

The Deer Park is also open daily during daylight hours, and entry is free of charge. 

Plan Day Visit

Location and Access

Auckland Castle is situated in the town of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, in England. 

The Castle is accessible by road, rail, and air. DL147PG is the car park postcode for visitors driving to the Castle and using the sat navigation. The nearest road access is North Bondgate, a short distance from the Marketplace. 

Visitors using public transport can take the Castles Express by the North East Bus Services from Newcastle to Bishop Auckland. Taxi services are also available. 

The nearest railway station is Bishop Auckland, and it’s five minutes away from the Marketplace. The closest airports are Newcastle (36 miles or 58 kilometres away) and Durham Tees Valley (19 miles or 31 kilometres away via A67 and A689).

Know Before You Go

It’s advisable to plan your visit to Auckland Castle. View Auckland Project’s events calendar here and book your ticket. 

Tickets are available at the venue only if the capacity is manageable. 

Admission is free of charge for children below 16 years. 

Places To Stay Nearby

Premier Inn Bishop

Distance from Auckland Castle: 3.4km (2.1 miles)

Located at the heart of Bishop Auckland along West Auckland Road, Premier Inn is a 3-star hotel offering a laid-back environment with attractive amenities.

Book

The Prince’s Eyrie in Bishop 

Distance from Auckland Castle: 0.6km (0.4 miles)

Conveniently located near the Castle in Bishop Auckland, The Prince’s Eyrie in Bishop Auckland is a spacious apartment that features: 

Book

Kingsway Apartment

Distance from Auckland Castle: 0.2 km (0.1 miles)

Kingsway Apartment is a well-furnished apartment a short distance from the Castle. The facility offers top-notch amenities,

Book

History of Auckland Castle 

Auckland Castle is famous for being the principal residence of the powerful Bishops of Durham (after Durham Castle). Though it was initially a manor house, it evolved into a castle, though with no fortifications. The Castle has undergone several phases, having over 900 years of history. 

Time Line

-1183

Bishop Hugh Pudsey builds a manor house in Auckland near the deer park. The lush countryside intrigued him as it was near his estate and ideal hunting ground. 

The Bishops of Durham occupied the second highest positions (after the King) in England. Their mandate was to protect the monarchy, and they strategically resided near the England-Scotland border. The Crown had bestowed power upon the Bishops to form armies and mint coins. 

-1283

Bishop Anthony Bek became the new Prince Bishop of Durham. Bek modified and upgraded the manor house into a grand castellated structure. He included a chapel, the great hall, and defensive walls. 

Like his predecessor, Bishop Anthony Bek enjoyed hunting and wanted a comfortable residence near the hunting grounds. 

-1346

Auckland Castle was involved in a national event during the Battle of Neville’s Cross. The British army marched and assembled in the Castle grounds and then marched to Durham before its triumph in the war. 

-1537

During King Henry VII’s reign and the dissolution of monasteries, his commissioners targeted the estates belonging to the Bishops of Durham. In 1539, Cuthbert Tunstall, the then Bishop of Durham, secured his property by acknowledging the King’s supremacy. However, in 1558 Elizabeth I deprived Tunstall of his bishopric after ascending the throne. 

-1642 to 1646

Since it was unfortified, Auckland Castle experienced no military action during the English Civil War. However, after the King’s defeat, the Church of England underwent turmoil under the Puritan policies in the new regime. 

In 1646, Sir Arthur Hezelrigg purchased Auckland Castle after the dissolution of the Church of England. He had rebelled against King Charles, and the King had planned to arrest him in 1642. Arthur brought down a large section of the medieval structure, including the chapel, and built a lavish mansion. 

-1658

Arthur Hezelrigg contributed to the defeat of Richard Cromwell and also opposed the reinstatement of the monarchy. However, his efforts were futile as the Restoration took place after King Charles II recovered his status. This led to the re-establishment of the Bishopric of Durham, and the Bishops of Durham regained ownership of Auckland Castle. 

Arthur Hezelrigg died in 1661 during his imprisonment at the Tower of London. 

When Prince-Bishop John Cosin took over the title, he rebuilt Auckland Castle, demolishing Hezelrigg’s unfinished mansion. Cosin also converted the banqueting hall into a chapel that exists to date. It became one of the greatest private chapels in Europe, following its consecration during St. Peter’s Feast Day in 1665. 

Bishop John Cosin also upgraded other structures that had faced neglect over the years. 

In 1756, Richard Trevor, the Bishop of Durham, bought a set of 12 paintings entitled ‘Jacob and His Twelve Sons.’ They were a collection of the works of the Spanish painter Francisco de Zurbaran. Bishop Trevor successfully won the bids for the first 12 paintings but lost the 13th one to the Duke of Ancaster. 

Therefore, Bishop Trevor had Arthur Pond produce a replica of the last painting, ‘Benjamin,’ and he hung all the 13 in the Castle’s Long Dining Room. The Bishop had also redesigned the room to house the collection, and it appeared as one of the earliest galleries in Europe. 

-1791 to 1832

Like other neighbouring castles, including Durham Castle, Auckland Castle underwent some Gothic-style upgrading. Bishop Shute Barrington hired James Wyatt, an architect, to be in charge of this transformation. The structures that Wyatt upgraded included the Throne Room and the Garden Screen. 

-1832

Auckland Castle became the principal residence of the Bishops of Durham. William van Mildert offered the Bishop’s original seat (Durham Castle) to found Durham University. William was the last Prince-Bishop following the revoking of the Bishop's secular powers by the Durham Act of 1836. However, Auckland Castle has continued to be the Bishop’s headquarters to date. 

-2001

Auckland Castle Trust took custody of the Castle and the Zurbaran collection of paintings. For the first time, they became open for viewing by the public under special arrangements. In 2019, Auckland Castle was reopened to the public as the Auckland Project, following some donations to restore it. 

The project entailed the restoration of the castle’s interior and constructing a visitor centre, the Faith Museum, and a glass greenhouse. 

Auckland Castle Occupants

During its age-long existence, Auckland Castle was primarily the main residence of the Bishops of Durham. Notable occupants of Auckland Castle include: 

  • Bishop Hugh Pudsey, built the first manor house at Auckland Castle’s site
  • Bishop Anthony Bek, transformed the manor house into a castellated structure
  • Bishop Cuthbert Tunstall, lost his title during the reign of Elizabeth I
  • Sir Arthur Hezelrigg, owned Auckland Castle during the downfall of the Church of England
  • Bishop John Cosin, rebuilt the Castle after the Restoration
  • Bishop Richard Trevor, bought the famous set of the Zurbaran collection
  • Bishop William van Mildert, the last Prince-Bishop of Durham

Auckland Castle Facts

Auckland Castle is a grade-I listed building under the care of the Auckland Castle Trust. The Castle was initially a hunting lodge. 

Here’s what you expect to see when you visit Auckland Castle: 

  • The State Rooms featuring restored Georgian Gothic styles 
  • The Long Dining Room 
  • St, Peter’s Chapel (formerly a medieval banqueting hall) 
  • The Paradise Bed – a historic carved oak bed believed to have belonged to Henry VII and Elizabeth of York 
  • The Auckland Tower 
  • The Mining Art Gallery 

Auckland Castle Q&A

  • Are pets allowed? No. Only guide dogs (on leads) are welcome at the Auckland Castle grounds. However, you can take your pet if you’re visiting Deer Park only. 
  • Can I bring a picnic at the Castle? Yes. Auckland Castle has a beautiful outdoor space. However, there’s a restaurant (The Bishops Kitchen) on-site where they serve meals and drinks. 
  • Are there accessible toilets at Auckland Castle? Yes. There are toilets on-site. 
  • Can I access the Auckland Tower? No. The Auckland Tower is currently inaccessible to the public due to safety measures. 

Location of Auckland Castle

Auckland Castle is located at the heart of Bishop Auckland, in County Durham, United Kingdom. A historic market town and civil parish, Bishop Auckland lies in the northeastern part of England. It is 8km (5 miles) southeast of Crook, 19km (12 miles) southwest of Durham, and 19km (12 miles) northwest of Darlington. 

Auckland Castle is Bishop Auckland’s major tourist attraction, and its re-opening has boosted tourism in the area. The Castle’s mailing address is The Spanish Gallery, Market Place, Bishop Auckland DL147NJ.

Other Places To Visit Near Auckland Castle

Though a small city, Bishop Auckland has some fascinating sites and beautiful sceneries that make a trip to the town worthwhile. Apart from Auckland Castle, there are other tourist attractions in Bishop Auckland and County Durham at large. 

Here are other places you might consider visiting on your tour at Auckland Castle: 

Auckland Castle Deer House

Featuring Gothic Revival architecture, Auckland Castle Deer House is a former deer park. It’s a square building located near Auckland Castle, and visitors can access it on foot through the semi-wooded public parkland. 

The deer house symbolised status in the Middle Ages as hunting was a significant aspect of life among all social classes. Hence, it was uncommon to find many such deer parks in the English countryside. 

Auckland Castle Deer House was probably the work of Thomas Wright, a designer who also created some designs for the park’s gateway, though it was never constructed. The building entailed a courtyard where the deer fed, an arcade, an arched gateway, and a two-storey tower.

The deer house is one of the surviving examples of 18th-century Gothic revival structures. Its miniature castle look, including arrow loops, battlements, pinnacles, and pointed arches, makes the building an intriguing attraction. 

Hamsterley Forest

Do you love adventure? If you’re a nature enthusiast and an outdoor person, Hamsterley Forest should be on your bucket list. Situated at the edge of North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, County Durham, Hamsterley Forest is a vast woodland covering 200 hectares (2 sq km).

The commercial forest consisting of coniferous and broadleaved woodland is the largest in the area and is under the care of the Forestry Commission. Hamsterley Forest is a hub of many recreational activities that mainly take place on the eastern side near the visitor centre. 

Fun-filled activities at Hamsterley Forest include: 

  • Cycling (mountain climbing) 
  • Horse riding  
  • Walking 
  • Playing games (such as Grufallo Spotters) in the forest play park 

 Visitors also enjoy watching the wildlife, stargazing, and geocaching. 

Hamsterley Forest also features a café and parking area where visitors can get refreshments and park their vehicles. Entry fees are as follows: 

  • Forest drive toll per car - £6 
  • Minibus - £12 
  • Coach - £18 

Kynren

If you’re visiting Auckland Castle between August and September, you dare not miss the award-winning live-action at Kynren, Bishop Auckland. “An epic tale of England” is the country’s most exciting outdoor show. The performance takes place in the magnificent grounds of Kynren, below the escarpment on which Auckland Castle stands. 

The world-class performance narrates the 2000-year story of history, myths, and legends, featuring young Arthur. “An epic tale of England'' vividly retells several phases of action, including battles, rebellions, celebrations, magical events, and sorrowful moments.

Kynren’s live performance takes place at night, and visitors have ranked it as one of the UK’s top five best shows. Moreover, tourists can also prolong their stay by watching a day event at the 11Arches Park. This is a fantastic collection of adventures, including horse stunt shows, that’s perfect for the whole family. 

North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

An extensive and splendid landscape, North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), is located in the North of England. The AONB comprising heather moorlands, upland rivers, dales, woods, and wildlife is a sight to behold. 

North Pennines AONB also consists of: 

  • Stone-built villages 
  • Close-knit communities 
  • Unique plants 
  • Imprints of the former mining and industrial activities 

Moreover, the beautiful landscape is a UNESCO European and Global Geopark. It extends to three counties, including Durham, Cumbria, and Northumberland.

While visiting the AONB, you’ll appreciate why the government and non-profit organisations have devotedly made efforts to conserve natural beauty. North Pennines AONB provides a breath-taking experience for outdoor lovers who get a chance to marvel at nature. 

Escomb Saxon Church

Discover the historic Escomb Saxon Church at the heart of the leafy Escomb Village near Bishop Auckland. A tourist attraction and a hidden gem, Escomb Saxon Church is one of the oldest and complete Anglo-Saxon churches in England. 

It has been a worship centre since 670 AD and was constructed using materials from the old Roman fort in Binchester. Currently, the Escomb Saxon Church holds a few services on Sundays. It’s an ideal venue for holding weddings, christenings, and other special occasions.

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